Description

I own no land, instead I have wheelestate. I’ve been a full time RVer since 1997. Working summers as a Park Ranger takes me to many beautiful places and playing during the winter takes me to many more. This blog is simply the story of my life's adventures.

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Sunday, June 14, 2009

Red Crossbills at Grand Canyon


Immature male & female Red Crossbill
I was setting up for my Saturday night Campfire program and went to fill the water bucket by the fountain.

Joined by two more females
The fountain, as usual, was blocked from draining.

Adult male between two boys plus the two females
But made the perfect bird bath.

I only got these three shots before they disappeared. The bills really are crossed. This is a new bird for my list.

17 comments:

Arija said...

I guess they cross their bills for luck, like we cross our fingers :)
Just as well you lug your camera along even to fetch water! Great shots.

Unknown said...

I try to take my camera everywhere, but you never know who you might see. I guess I am going to have to keep my eyes open at the campground now.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I am sure they think it is there especially for them. :)

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Ruth said...

I saw White-winged Crossbills for the first time this winter when they came "south" to our area for the season. They have gone back up north.

Carol said...

I hope you left it stopped up for them. What a wonderful job you have.

www.riverwildlife.blogspot.com

Jazz said...

Wow. Lucky you. All those bird sightings!

Diane AZ said...

Those are beautiful birds! I don't think I've ever seen a crossbill before. They sure look happy at the fountain.

Marites said...

awwww....they look so cute especially the one who decided that drinking is not enough and just plunged in to take a bath:D

My world is here

Camels & Chocolate said...

I read the title as "Red Cross Bills" (as in the organization) and was wondering if you meant it literally, HA.

Janie said...

That's an interesting bird and great photos. Handy that the water fountain gets blocked to provide a bird bath.

Dawn Fine said...

Awe,,Gaelyn congrats on a life bird!
I clicked on the photos and got a better look at the large crossed bill.
How exciting it must have been to see them!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Gaelyn: What neat birds to see.

RuthieJ said...

Oh that's so cool -- they were sitting right in the drinking fountain??

Quiet Paths said...

Some favorites at my feeders! They are thirsty birds.

K Burtnyk said...

I was at the North Rim from June 13-21 '09 for the Grand Canyon star party and had a very close encounter with one of these little guys just outside a restroom in the campground. I was worried that he may have been ill, because he was sitting for some time on the ground--I sat down and observed him for a good 10 min. Then I noticed a small puddle nearby so I figured he may have just had a bath and was just drying out in a sunbeam. But when he hopped right up to me I was shocked! That's when I could easily see the crossed bill. Thankfully he flew away and I was satisfied that he wasn't hurt or ill. Very cool sighting. My first crossbill too.

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